Letters, August 23

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/08/2022 (1370 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Honouring encampment

Re: Occupiers can’t say they weren’t warned (Opinion, Aug. 20)

Tom Brodbeck’s columns are usually well-researched and balanced, so I was surprised when he called for the sacred-fire campers to leave their camp just east of the legislature. He argues this is justified because of a new law that disallows camping, because the campers are untidy, and the campers might be dangerous.

I noticed Brodbeck does not discuss the purpose of the encampment.

As a non-Indigenous Canadian seeking to understand my role in building truth and reconciliation, I have had the privilege of visiting the camp several times in the last year. Campers told me their purpose was, through maintaining a sacred fire, to ensure that all unmarked Indigenous-person graves be marked and that these unknown people be remembered.

This is an important goal and consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. I believe the danger is not from the campers, but from society forgetting to address this injustice.

Brodbeck notes “assaults have been reported.” Have there been convictions, and are these convicted people from the camp?

Instead of a law and the eventual use of force, perhaps the government, and even Brodbeck, could talk with the campers. Maybe there is a way to maintain the sacred fire to help us all keep our focus on addressing these forgotten deaths.

Jerry Buckland

Winnipeg

Instead of being a gem in our city, the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature are an embarrassment. Disgraceful and unlawful are my words that describe the encampment on our legislature grounds. It’s obviously a health hazard with no washroom facilities or garbage removal.

When one of the campers was interviewed, he replied, “We will not move, we are here to stay.”

By allowing this encampment to go for a year, our provincial government will undoubtedly give the city of Winnipeg police officers and others the unenviable task of taking down these structures, during which people could be injured.

No doubt the iPhone video cameras will be recording while this is taking place. I have no doubt the campers will call it injustice.

Ken Butchart

Winnipeg

It is interesting that occupations have been viewed in a different light since the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, Canadians of a left-wing persuasion were adamant that protesters had the right to conduct occupations, marches and demonstrations. If police intervened, there were immediate cries of police brutality.

Once Trudeau denounced the truckers’ convoy as violent right-wing populism, all of a sudden left wingers were demanding law and order. Far from denouncing police brutality, there were complaints the police were being too soft on demonstrators.

It comes down to whose ox is being gored.

Kurt Clyde

Winnipeg

Neville’s age not factor

Re: At 80, Neville too old for post (Letters, Aug. 22)

Brian Short’s comment in his letter that Anita Neville, at 80 years old, is too old to be appointed lieutenant governor reeks of ageism.

As a long-time believer that Canada should be rid of the monarchy, I can only assume Short misses the point that the only qualification that matters to be appointed to such a ceremonial position is one’s affiliation to the party in power in Ottawa. To that end, advanced age is likely a benefit for someone such as Neville, given her long association with the Liberal Party.

Irwin Corobow

Winnipeg

Reporter should have told police

Re: Cavalier and indifferent response unacceptable (Editorial, Aug. 19)

The writer of this editorial is living in a journalistic bubble. Rather than accusing the police of being “cavalier” they should look more closely at reporter Ryan Thorpe and the Free Press.

I was a police officer and wrote the original agent/informant policy for the Winnipeg Police Service, so am well aware of the dangers present during and after an undercover operation.

Thorpe’s experiences remind me of a canoeist who sets off into the wild after refusing an experienced guide and then calls for help on his satellite phone when his canoe tips and he wants to be helicoptered out. He could have gone to the police with his information and they could have introduced an experienced undercover officer to the group. Who knows where that might have led and what criminal activity might have been exposed?

Thorpe is a reporter and he wanted a “scoop.” His employer encouraged him because a “scoop” sells papers.

The Free Press should have known threats and danger would follow, but rather than plan for them and take responsibility for protecting its employee, it is trying to transfer that responsibility to the police.

Stan Tataryn

Winnipeg

Grade 12 exams crucial

Re: Manitoba pulls plug on Grade 12 exams (Aug. 19)

The removal of Grade 12 provincial mathematics exams is not a bad idea; it is a terrible one.

I remember returning to teach high school mathematics in the 1970s when provincial exams were not administered. The students’ mathematics background in Grade 12 was horrible. We decided to introduce mathematics exams, as a “pilot project,” and the improvement was significant. This project was endorsed by many students who felt they were much better prepared for mathematics courses at the university level.

In the past few decades, Sisler High School students have challenged the university calculus courses with outstanding success. These exams enable the graduating students to measure their preparedness compared to other graduating students. It also enables teachers to see if their programs require any adjustments.

Maybe exams are not necessary for all students, but students who are intending to take mathematics, or mathematics- related courses, at the university or college level would be shortchanged if the Grade 12 provincial exams are discontinued. The benefit is not only in writing the exam, but the learning that takes place while students are preparing to write the exam.

William Korytowski

Winnipeg

Ex-convict uplifting example

Re: After years of his life lost sitting in jail, his Red Rebel Armour streetwear biz is turning heads (Aug. 19)

Thank you to Gabrielle Piché for her positive and uplifting article. It’s so encouraging to hear stories like that of Sean Rayland-Boubar, who has turned a very difficult start in life into a new beginning as an entrepreneur with a clear mission to help others. His social enterprise model saves the taxpayer large sums by helping to keep his employees out of the criminal justice system, and more importantly gives them a place of love and belonging.

Winnipeg residents will have an opportunity to elect a new mayor this fall. Where do the candidates stand on investing in this kind of social enterprise?

Esther Redekopp

Winnipeg

Laws hardly protect animals

Re: Pets get better care than people (Letters, Aug. 19)

The letter writer claims animal-protection laws give animals more protections than people. Seriously? Let’s talk after you have visited a factory farm or a puppy mill.

John Youngman

Winnipeg

Canada’s animal protection laws, which do not recognize them as sentient and consider them to be mere property, are notorious for being some of the weakest in the developed world.

Canada is now also passing ag-gag legislation that criminalizes those seeking to expose the truth about what happens behind the closed doors of farms. Could you imagine the outrage if the same applied to whistleblowers in long-term care homes?

Debbie Wall

Winnipeg